Respiratory Therapist - Pulmonary Function Testing

Aurora Health Care; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee, WI seeks a Respiratory Therapist to perform comprehensive pulmonary diagnostics, including spirometry and diffusion studies, and to aid in bronchoscopy assistance as needed.

Current RCP license and BLS certification required. Typically 2+ years of experience and an associate degree in respiratory care. Strong communication and safety focus are essential to join our patient-centered team.

Qualifications

• Effective organizational, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with electronic medical records.

Responsibilities

• Perform pulmonary diagnostic testing including spirometry, lung volumes and diffusion studies.
• Administer inhaled medications per provider order and collect patient samples.
• Ensure patient safety and report hazards and safety issues.

Education

Associate degree in Respiratory Care

Job description

• Performs pulmonary diagnostic testing which includes but is not limited to spirometry lung volumes, maximum voluntary ventilations, diffusion of carbon monoxide studies, bronchial provocation tests, administration of inhaled medications per provider order, collect and analyze blood gas samples. In addition, may perform home oxygen assessments, 6-minute walks, indirect calorimetry and provide bronchoscopy assists.
• Demonstrates effective communication, feedback, and conflict resolution skills.
• Promotes a culture of safety by recognizing and applying proper safety measures to prevent patient harm. Reports patient safety events and near misses in a timely manner. Seeks to identify potential safety issues and assists in the implementation of corrective actions.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Major Responsibilities

• Performs pulmonary diagnostic testing which includes but is not limited to spirometry lung volumes, maximum voluntary ventilations, diffusion of carbon monoxide studies, bronchial provocation tests, administration of inhaled medications per provider order, collect and analyze blood gas samples. In addition, may perform home oxygen assessments, 6-minute walks, indirect calorimetry and provide bronchoscopy assists.
• Demonstrates effective communication, feedback, and conflict resolution skills.
• Promotes a culture of safety by recognizing and applying proper safety measures to prevent patient harm. Reports patient safety events and near misses in a timely manner. Seeks to identify potential safety issues and assists in the implementation of corrective actions.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, And/or Certification Required

• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license issued by the state in which the team member practices.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Active Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) certification or Active Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) within 18 months of hire.

Education Required

Graduate from an accredited respiratory care program, with a minimum of an associate degree.

Experience Required

Typically requires 2 years of experience as a Respiratory Therapist.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Effective organizational, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Problem solving and decision making for patient care and equipment use.
• Proficient computer skills, use of electronic mail and electronic medical record systems.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), listening and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates human relation skills with the ability to develop rapport and maintain positive, professional relationships with a variety of patients, team members, and physicians. Ability to take initiative and work collaboratively with others.
• Demonstrates time management skills with an ability to multi-task and prioritize in an environment with frequent interruptions.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Must sit, stand and walk the majority of the workday as well as lift, squat, bend, twist, kneel and reach above shoulders throughout.
• Must be able to:
• Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• Lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• Carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• Push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical and explosive hazards. As a result, protective clothing must be worn as necessary.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.